Garment Carrier

ABSTRACT

A garment carrier for carrying a garment having sleeves is described. The carrier includes a garment support and a sleeve support positionable over the garment support in use to hold the garment between the garment support and sleeve support to maintain a fold in the garment between each shoulder of the garment and a neck region of the garment, so that portions of the sleeves extend from respective shoulders in divergent directions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment carrier for carrying a garment and, in particular, for carrying a garment having sleeves.

BACKGROUND

Many garments become creased when they are folded for travel (e.g. into a suitcase). Garment bags exist for carrying garments in suitcases, however, the garment bags are typically bulky, taking up a large amount of space in a suitcase, and do not adequately prevent creasing of garments.

It would be desirable to provide a garment carrier that substantially avoids creasing of garments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a garment carrier for carrying a garment having sleeves, comprising:

a garment support; and

a sleeve support positionable over the garment support in use to hold the garment between the garment support and sleeve support to maintain a fold in the garment between each shoulder of the garment and a neck region of the garment, so that portions of the sleeves extend from respective shoulders in divergent directions.

In some embodiments, the sleeve support has edges about which outer parts of the sleeves can be folded back over the sleeve support. Those edges of the sleeve support may be mutually divergent so as to extend in use substantially perpendicularly across each sleeve so that the sleeves can be folded about those edges to extend towards the shoulders. In so doing, the sleeves in effect fold back upon themselves around the edges of the sleeve support.

In some embodiments, the sleeve support has a central limb and a pair of divergent arms defining the edges.

In some embodiments, the sleeve support is hinged to the garment support. This enables the sleeve support to pivot from an open condition in which, for example, a garment can be laid on the garment support, and a closed condition to hold the garment between the sleeve support and garment support.

In some embodiments the garment carrier further comprises a trouser support positionable over the sleeve support, in use to hold trousers between the sleeve support and the trouser support. The trouser support may be capable of being arranged to enable a tail part of the garment to be folded back over the trousers to retain the trouser within the folded garment.

The present invention also provides a garment carrier for carrying a garment having sleeves, comprising:

a garment support; and

a sleeve support positionable over the garment support to hold the garment between the garment support and sleeve support, the sleeve support comprising a central limb and a pair of arms about which sleeves of the garment are folded in use.

Some embodiments of the invention control the folding of the sleeves of the garment between the neck region and shoulders of the garment so as to avoid creating a fold through the shoulder of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a garment carrier in accordance with the present invention in an open condition;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a garment carrier without garment and closing flaps;

FIGS. 3 to 16 show progressive steps in a method for using the garment carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a garment carrier;

FIG. 18 provides various views of the garment carrier of FIG. 17 when in a closed condition; and

FIG. 19 provides various views of the garment carrier of FIG. 17 when in an open condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The garment carrier described herein is designed to reduce or avoid wrinkles and creases being formed in garments during travel and storage. In some embodiments the garment carrier may comprise an insulating outer fabric sleeve (potentially including flaps that enclose the garment in the garment carrier). In some embodiments the garment carrier may include a rigid floor (also referred to as a “garment support” or the “base” or “planar sheet” of a garment support). In some embodiments the garment carrier may include a protective acrylic lid or “trouser support”. That trouser support may include a polycarbonate “clear window”. In some embodiments the garment support includes a hinged T-bar or “sleeve support”. In some embodiments, every relevant surface is designed to eliminate creases and wrinkle forming conditions, including the rounding of all edges that could come into contact with the garment when the garment carrier is in use.

Embodiments of a garment carrier 100 are described herein, for carrying a garment 10 having sleeves 12. The garment carrier 100 comprises a garment support 14 and a sleeve support 16 positionable over the garment support 14. In use, the sleeve support 16 holds the garment 10 between the garment support 14 and sleeve support 16.

The sleeve support 16 maintains a fold in the garment 10 between each shoulder 18 of the garment 10 and a neck region 20 of the garment 10. In this configuration, portions 22 of the sleeves 12 extend from respective shoulders 18 in divergent directions. In other words, once the garment 10 has been positioned on the garment support 14 and the sleeve support 16 has been positioned over the garment support 14, the sleeves 12 extend away from the shoulders 18 in mutually divergent directions.

The sleeves 12 can then be folded back over the sleeve support 16. Once folded over the sleeve support 16, a portion of each sleeve 12, extending towards the respective cuff 24 of each sleeve 12, extends back towards the respective shoulder 18 of the garment 10.

FIG. 1 shows a garment carrier 100 for carrying a suit jacket 10 and a pair of trousers 26. The garment carrier 100 comprises a garment support 14 and sleeve support 16. The garment carrier 100 further comprises members, presently flaps 28, 30, for enclosing a folded garment.

The garment carrier 100 is in an open condition in which a garment 10 can be folded into the garment carrier 100. The garment carrier 100 also has a closed condition (see FIG. 14) in which a garment 10 is substantially enclosed within the garment carrier 100.

The garment support 14 comprises a substantially rectangular and planar sheet 15 having an inner surface, upon which to position a garment 10. An outer surface of the garment support 14 forms the back of the garment carrier 100 when the garment carrier 100 is in a closed condition.

The garment support 14 includes a cross-bar or clip 32 for engaging with a trouser support 68. The cross-bar or clip 32 is attached at a long edge of the planar sheet 15. The cross-bar or clip 32 protrudes substantially perpendicularly inwardly of the planar sheet.

The cross-bar or clip 32 comprises ends 34 under which part of the trouser support 68 is received to hold the trouser support 68 to the garment support 14. To facilitate retention of the trouser support 68, the ends 34 are concave.

The concave ends 34 of the cross-bar or clip 32 have elongate tabs 36 that ensure the trouser support 68 maintains tight engagement with the sleeve support 16. Inwardly of the elongate tabs 36, the concave ends 34 taper to a recess 38. The sleeve support 16 is hinged to the cross-bar or clip 32 in the recess 38. It will be appreciated that the sleeve support 16 may be attached elsewhere on the garment support 14.

The garment support 14, including cross-bar or clip 32, can be formed from neoprene though other rigid or semi-rigid plastics, and other materials generally, may be used as appropriate.

The sleeve support 16 has a central limb 40 and a pair of divergent arms 42. The pair of arms 42 form opposite ends of a bar 44. The bar 44 extends generally across the top of the central limb 32. The sleeve support 16 is hinged to the garment support 14 by a hinge pin 46 (see FIG. 2) so as to be pivotal between an open condition as shown, in which a garment 10 can be positioned on the garment support 14, and a closed condition (see FIG. 7).

The central limb 40 is formed from a flat, broad strip of polycarbonate. The strip tapers from its widest point at which the bar 44 meets the limb 40, to its narrowest point at which the strip is hinged to the garment support 14.

The bar 44 includes a central straight portion 48 under which a trouser support 68 is received. In particular, the broad hook 72 of the trouser support 68 is received under the central straight portion 48. The central straight portion 48 includes a depression 50. The depression 50 can be used both to facilitate locating the trouser support 68 under the sleeve support 16 as discussed below. The depression 50 may also act as a handle by which to grasp the sleeve support 16 to pivot it into the open condition.

Integrally formed with the straight portion 48 are the arms 42. The arms 42 extend at an angle to the straight portion 48, so that the arms extend substantially perpendicularly across sleeves 12 of the garment 10 when the sleeve support 16 is in the closed condition. Since the sleeves 12 diverge from the shoulders of the garment 10, the arms 42 are angled slightly rearwardly (i.e. towards the cross-bar 32) so as to lie perpendicularly across the sleeves 12. The arms 42 may consequently extend at any appropriate angle, though presently an obtuse angle has been used. The arms 42 may also be hinged to the central straight portion 48 so as to enable the angle of the arms 42 relative to the central straight portion 48 to be adjusted.

The arms 42 are narrower than the straight portion 48 to afford gripping of the arms 42 when pivoting the sleeve support 16 to the closed condition. The arms 42 meet the straight portion 48 at smooth curves so that no sharp edges are presented to the garment 10 when it is folded into the garment carrier 100.

The garment support 14 has two pairs of flaps 52, 54. The flaps 52, 54 fold over a garment 10 that has been folded into the garment carrier 100, to enclose the garment 10. Flaps 52 extend from opposite (long) sides of the garment support 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the flaps 52 extend from opposite (long) sides of the substantially planar sheet 15 of the garment support 14. Flaps 52 are substantially rectangular in shape. The flaps 52 have a length that is substantially the same as the length of the planar sheet 15. A long edge of each rectangular flap 52 is co-extensive with a respective long edge of the planar sheet 15. The long edge of each rectangular flap 52 is attached to the respective long edge of the planar sheet 15. The opposite long edge of each flap 52 (i.e. the long edge that is not attached to the planar sheet 15) has rounded corners. When the garment carrier 100 is in an open condition as shown, the flaps 52 fold back so that the flaps 52, together with the planar sheet 15, can be laid substantially flat on a surface.

Of the flaps 52, 54, flaps 52 are the first to be folded over a garment 10 that has been folded into the garment carrier 100. One of the flaps 52 is foldable in use over the neck region 20 and shoulders 18 of the garment.

Flaps 52 fold into engagement with each other. To that end, one of the flaps 52 is provided with a tab 62 covered with hooks or loops of a hook and loop fastener system, and the other of the flaps 52 is provided with a patch of the corresponding hooks or loops on an outer surface. The hooks engage the loops to hold the flaps 52 in engagement.

Other means or arrangements may be provided to secure flaps 52 together. For example, no tab 62 need be provided. Instead the outer surface of the respective flap 52 could include a similar patch of hooks or loops. However, a tab 62 will save using excess material that would otherwise extend from either side of the tab 62 the extent of the long edge of the flap 52.

It will be appreciated that any appropriate engagement system may be used in place of hooks and loops, or no engagement system at all since flaps 54 will ultimately be brought over, and connected to, the folded flaps 52.

The garment carrier 100 further includes one or more garment protecting wings or tabs 56. The wings or tabs 56 are located at the corners of each flap 52 where the respective flap 52 meets the planar sheet 15. Each wing or tab 56 is a rounded projection extending outwardly from a short edge of the flap 52. Each wing or tab 56 lies in the same plane as the remainder of the respective generally rectangular flap 52.

When the garment 10 has been folded into the garment carrier 100, and the flaps 52 are brought over the garment 10, the wings or tabs 56 ensure that corner portions of the folded garment 10 do not protrude from the garment carrier 100 in a manner that would leave them exposed during transit. On an outer surface of each flap 52 are half of the teeth 60 of a zipper (shown in broken line as FIG. 1 shows the inner surface of the flaps 52 rather than the outer surface—discussed a detail below). The teeth 60 of the zipper are attached to the respective flap 52 by stitching which is visible on the inner surface of the flap 52 as shown.

Flaps 54 are substantially triangular in shape and extend from opposite (short) sides of the garment support 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the flaps 54 extend from opposite (short) sides of the substantially planar sheet 15 of the garment support 14. The outer apex of each flap 54 is rounded.

Rows of zipper teeth 66 extend from the corners of the flaps 54 at which the flaps 54 meet the sheet 15, to a point where the edge of the respective flap 54 begins to round around the outer apex. The rows of teeth 66 are attached at an edge of the respective flap 54, though they may alternatively be attached to an inner surface of the flap 54 near the edge thereof.

Rows of teeth 66 engage with respective rows of teeth 60 on the flaps 52 to hold flaps 52, 54 together when the garment carrier 100 is in a closed condition (see FIG. 14).

The rows of teeth 60, 66 extend from the substantially planar sheet 15 generally perpendicularly outwardly. The rows of teeth 60, 66 then curve inwardly to extend, when folded around a garment 10, towards a centre of the folded garment 10 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. As the pull tab of the zipper is actuated, it progresses up the corner edges of the folded garment 10. The pull tab then, due to the curve in the rows of zipper teeth 60, 66, progresses inwardly to join the flaps 52, 54 together up to a point near the respective outer apexes of the substantially triangular flaps 54.

The pull tab of the zipper may be positioned on either flap 52, 54 to enable zipper teeth 60, 66 on one flap 52, 54 to be connected to zipper teeth 60, 66 on the other flap 54, 52 in a standard zipper retainer box. Alternatively, the pull tab of the zipper may be connected to both sets of teeth 60, 66. In this case the corresponding standard zipper bottom stop located will be generally at a corner of the substantially planar sheet 15 when the garment carrier 100 is in an open condition.

The flaps 52, 54 are formed from neoprene, though any other material may be used as appropriate.

It will be appreciated that various shapes of flap may be used to enclose or enfold the garment 10. To this end the garment carrier 100 may comprise one or more flaps foldable so as to substantially enclose the folded garment 10.

With the exception of cross-bar or clip 32, the garment support 14 can be formed from a single substantially flat piece of material (e.g. neoprene, or a combination or multi-layered material such as a moulded EVA base with a fabric or foam upper that contacts the garment) that has been lightly stamped to create fold lines at edges of the sheet 15. It will be appreciated that any other production method can be used as appropriate.

The garment carrier further includes a trouser support 68 positionable over the sleeve support 16, to hold trousers 76 between the sleeve support 16 and the trouser support 68. The trouser support 68 comprises a substantially flat upper panel 70. The panel 70 is substantially rectangular and along a long side of the panel 70 is a broad hook 72 receivable under the sleeve support 16. Along the opposite long side is a lip 74 (described below).

Once the sleeve support 16 is in a closed condition and the sleeves 12 of a garment 10 have been folded about the sleeve support 16 as discussed hereafter, trousers 76 are laid on top of the folded sleeves 12. The trouser support 68 is then brought into engagement with the sleeve support 16 and/or cross-bar or clip 32 as discussed below. In so doing, the trouser support 68 holds a portion of the trousers 76 against the sleeves 12 such that the trousers 76 can be folded back over the trouser support 68.

By arranging the trousers 76 and trouser support 68 over the garment 10 and sleeve support 16 is described herein, the trouser support 68 enables a tail part of the garment 10 to be folded back over the trousers 76 to retain the trousers 76 within the folded garment 10.

The substantially flat upper panel 70 of the trouser support 68 comprises a clear window 101. The clear window 101 is for aesthetic reasons only, but may be used to carry instructions, branding, warranty and/or other information. The substantially flat upper panel 70 has a generally rectangular shape though the skilled person will appreciate that other shapes may be used for the upper panel 70.

Broad hook 72 hooks underneath the sleeve support 16 to assist with holding the trouser support 68 to the sleeve support 16. The broad hook 72 also spaces the sleeve support 16 away from the planar sheet 15. This spacing effect ensures that the sleeve support 16 does not crush the body of the garment 10 once the garment 10 has been folded into the garment carrier 100.

When the trouser support 68 is in place, and the garment carrier 100 is closed, the trouser support 68 fixes the relative positions of the sheet 15, sleeve support 16 and trouser support 68. In so doing, a solid cavity is formed which protects the parts of the garment 10 contained therein (e.g. sleeves 12, shoulders 18 and trouser waist area).

Once broad hook 72 has been hooked underneath the sleeve support 16, the trouser support 68 is rotated about the hook 72 to bring lip 74 into engagement with cross-bar or clip 32. In so doing, the trouser support 68 can be configured to positively engage with one of both of the garment support 14 and sleeve support 16. While lip 74 may simply rest against the cross-bar or clip 32, it is preferred that lip 74 be provided with a protrusion at either end of an inner surface of the lip 74. In this case, the protrusions may be received in respective concave ends 34 of the cross-bar or clip 32. Thus the lip 74, with its protrusions, together with the cross-bar or clip 32 form a clasp for positively retaining the trouser support 68 on the garment support 14. While the protrusions are not shown, the skilled person will appreciate how they can be formed onto or into the lip 74 and that it may be advantageous for the protrusions to have a shape that conforms with the shape of the concave ends 34: for example, a convex shape.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the garment carrier 100 of FIG. 1, with flaps 52, 54 removed. It will be appreciated that flaps 52, 54 may be formed with the flat sheet 15 as discussed above, or may alternatively be clipped or otherwise connected to the sides of flat sheet 15.

A long one long edge of flat sheet 15 is a series of equally spaced holes 78. At or near either end of the series of holes 78, along each short side of the flat sheet 15, is a notch 80. The holes 78 are for receiving small protrusions (not shown) on an underside of the cross-bar or clip 32 thereby to hold the cross-bar or clip 32 to the flat sheet 15. The small protrusions may be adhered, ultrasonically welded, or otherwise attached to the flat sheet 15 in the holes 78. Alternatively, rivets may extend through the holes 78 and into the cross-bar or clip 32 to hold the cross-bar or clip 32 to the flat sheet 15. It will be appreciated that any other suitable connection system may be used.

At opposite ends of the cross-bar or clip 32 are lugs (not shown) receivable in the notches 80 to locate the cross-bar or clip 32 on the sheet 15.

The cross-bar or clip 32 is formed in two parts or halves as shown. One of the parts has a protrusion 81 that is received in an aperture 82 in the other of the parts to hold the two parts together.

The central limb 40 of the sleeve support 16 is formed separately from the bar 44. The central limb 40 is formed from a clear polycarbonate material though any other material may be used. At the narrow end of the central limb 40 the polycarbonate material has been folded over to form a tunnel 84.

A hinge pin 46 is received in the tunnel 84 of the central limb 40. The hinge pin 46 is slightly longer than the tunnel 84 so that opposite ends of the hinge pin 46 extend out opposite ends of the tunnel 84. The opposite ends of the hinge pin 46 are received in apertures 86 in the two halves of the cross-bar or clip 32. When the two halves of the cross-bar or clip 32 are brought together as discussed above, the hinge pin 46 is trapped between the two halves of the cross-bar or clip 32, thereby holding sleeve support 16 pivotally to the cross-bar or clip 32.

The hinge pin 46 is made from metal though any other rigid material may be used.

The bar 44 of the sleeve support 16 is formed in two longitudinal halves 88. Each of the halves 88 includes a peripheral upstanding edge 90. The peripheral upstanding edge 90 extends around the entire peripheral edge of the respective half 88 with the exception for a gap 92. When the two halves 88 of the bar 44 are brought together the gaps 92 together form an aperture into which the broad end of the central limb 40 extends. At the broad end of the central limb 40 are various lugs for preventing the central limb 40 from pulling out of the aperture formed by the gaps 92.

In addition, halves 88 of the bar 44 have cooperating fasteners, presently press stud fasteners 94, for holding the two halves 88 together. One of the press stud fasteners 94 is positioned in the middle of the central straight portion 48 of the bar 44 and connects the two halves 88 through an aperture 96 in the middle of the central limb 40. Thus the central limb 40 is prevented from being retracted out from between the two halves 88.

Trouser support 68 is formed in three parts: a frame member 98 a clear polycarbonate window 101 and a broad hook 72.

The clear polycarbonate window 101 is substantially rectangular and planar, and is clipped, adhered or otherwise connected to the frame member 98.

The frame member 98 includes a large central opening. When the clear polycarbonate window 101 is attached to the frame member 98 it creates a clear window through the trouser support 68.

The frame member 98 is pressed out of a sheet of material to form a frame around the opening through which the clear polycarbonate window is visible, and has opposite rounded long edges. One of the long edges comprises the aforementioned lip 74 and has tabs 102 at opposite ends preventing the trouser support 68 from sliding longitudinally off the cross-bar or clip 32. The tabs 102 extend substantially perpendicularly to both the clear polycarbonate window 101 and longitudinal direction of extension of the lip 74.

The other of the long edges of the frame member 98 is shaped and arranged to attach to the broad hook 72. At present the broad hook 72 is attached to the frame member 98 by an adhesive though any other means or system for connection may be used.

The broad hook 72 includes reinforcing ribs 104 that serve to stiffen the broad hook 72. When the trouser support 68 is in use, the ribs 104 bear against central straight portion 48 of the bar 44. At opposite ends of the broad hook 72 and opposite ends of the corresponding long edge of the frame member 98 are tabs 106 similar to tabs 102 of the lip 74.

Most or all of the parts of the garment carrier 100 may be formed from neoprene, soft or hard plastics, rigid or semi-rigid plastics or any other material as appropriate. Therefore, where materials (e.g. rigid plastics) have been specified it will be appreciated that the function and purpose of the material is important, rather than necessarily the specific type of material stated herein, and that a skilled person may be able to identify other materials able to achieve the same purpose. Those other materials are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

In this regard, neoprene has been stated as a desirable material for some parts of the garment carrier 100. It will be appreciated that the type of material should be selected to suit the application of the garment carrier 100 (e.g. storing in a shop or international shipping) and prevailing environmental conditions. For example, neoprene has been selected due to its ability to reduce the impact of temperature changes and humidity on the internal cavity of the garment carrier 100 in which the garment 10 is positioned.

The skilled person will also appreciate that parts of the garment carrier 100 that have been given specific shapes in the embodiment described herein, may in fact have an alternative shape provided the function of the respective part is maintained. For example, sleeve support 16 may have a substantially triangular shape with bulges or similar received over the shoulders (i.e. not T-shaped). In this case, the bulges or similar may conform to the folded shape of the shoulders.

A method of using the garment carrier 100 will now be described by reference to FIGS. 3 to 16, which show progressive stages in the folding of the garment 10 into the garment carrier 100, the folding of the garment carrier 100 about the garment 10, and the positioning of the folded assembly into a suitcase 108.

The garment carrier 100 is shown in FIG. 3 in an open condition. In this embodiment, instructions for folding a garment, presently suit jacket 10, are printed onto the inner surface of the planar sheet 15. The instructions guide the user of the garment carrier 100 in the folding of the garment 10 thereinto.

After unpacking the garment carrier 100, such as during first use of the garment carrier 100, the trouser support 68 will be in position on the sleeve support 16. As shown in FIG. 4, to remove the trouser support 68 the lip 74 is first disengaged from the cross-bar or clip 32 by pivoting the trouser support 68 about the hook 72 in the direction of arrow A. The hook 72 of the trouser support 68 is then slid out from underneath the bar 44 of the sleeve support 16 in the direction of arrow B.

Once the trouser support 68 has been removed, the sleeve support 16 can be pivoted back away from the planar sheet 15 in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. 3.

With the sleeve support 16 out of the way, a garment 10 may now be positioned on the planar sheet 15 as shown in FIG. 5. Since the garment 10 is presently a suit jacket, it must first be buttoned as indicated by arrows D. Buttoning the garment 10 ensures it does not crumple before or during folding of the garment 10 into the garment carrier 100, and during folding of the garment carrier 100 about the garment 10. The garment 10 is then laid face down on the planar sheet 15 such that the neck region 20 is positioned near or in abutment with the narrow end of the central limb 40 of the sleeve support 16 or cross-bar or clip 32 as indicated by arrow E.

Shoulders 18 of the garment 10 are then folded inwardly as shown in the instructions on the planar sheet 15 and as indicated by arrows F. The fold is thus created between the shoulders 18 and the neck region 20 as shown in FIG. 6. The fold will typically extend from at or near the collar of the garment 10 to the join between the sleeve 12 and a flank or side of the garment 10 (i.e. in the armpit of the jacket 10). The sleeves 12 extend from respective shoulders 18 in divergent directions. The sleeves 12 together with neck region 20, give the garment 10 a fold in the shape of a Delta (i.e. the jacket has a characteristic “Delta-fold”).

Such a Delta-fold as described herein substantially reduces the likelihood of creasing in shoulder regions of suit jackets. The shoulder regions of suit jackets are where creases have been traditionally unavoidable except by hanging the jacket up during transit, which is often not possible (e.g. it would not be possible in an overhead luggage rack in a plane or when in a suitcase).

The garment carrier 100 has been especially designed to maintain the Delta-fold by providing a sleeve support 16. As discussed above, the sleeve support 16 includes a central limb 40 that pivotally connects to the garment support 14 near where the neck region 20 of the garment 10 will be positioned on the garment support 14. Thus with pivoting of the sleeve support 16 as shown in FIG. 7, the central limb 40 holds, pins or otherwise retains the neck region 20 against the planar sheet 15. The sleeve support 16 thereby also extends down the back of the garment 10 between the shoulders 18.

In this position, the bar 44 of the sleeve support 16 extends across the back of the garment 10, under the shoulders 18, and over the sleeves 12 to hold the sleeves such that the Delta-fold is maintained. It will be noted that the sleeve support 16 lies perpendicularly across the sleeves 12. Consequently, though further folds are made in the garment 10 to reduce its size for transit, and the garment carrier 100 is folded about the folded garment 10, the Delta shape formed by the neck region 20, shoulders 18 and sleeves 12 is maintained.

Once the sleeve support 16 is in position as shown in FIG. 7, outer parts of the sleeves 12 can be folded back over the sleeve support 16. To achieve this, the sleeves 12 are folded about edges 110 (see FIG. 2) of the sleeve support 16 as indicated by arrows H as shown in FIG. 8.

The edges 110 of the sleeve support 16 are mutually divergent so as to extend in use substantially perpendicularly across each sleeve 12 so that the sleeves 12 can be folded about those edges 110 to extend towards the shoulders 18. In effect, the sleeves 12 can be doubled back over themselves. As shown in FIG. 8, even after having been folded back over themselves, the sleeves 12 maintain a Delta-fold shape. It will be understood that maintaining the Delta-fold shape in and around the shoulders 18 and neck 20 that substantially reduces the likelihood of creasing of the garment 10, and that maintaining the Delta shape with doubling over of the sleeves 12 is more to contain the size of the folded garment 10 than to reduce creasing. Thus the sleeves 12 can in fact be folded in a number of different ways resulting in a number of different shapes.

After folding the sleeves 12 about the leading edges 110 of the bar 44, trousers 76 can be laid over the sleeves 12 as indicated by arrow I in FIG. 9. When in this position the top edge of the waist of the trousers 76 is generally aligned with the short edge of planar sheet 15, at which planar sheet 15 meets flap 54. Thus the legs of the trousers 76 extend across the garment support 14.

The hook 72 of the trouser support 68 is then hooked underneath the bar 44 of the sleeve support 16 as indicated by arrows J and K in FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively. By hooking the hook 72 underneath the bar 44, the bar 44 is spaced away from the planar sheet 15. Since the sleeves 12 are folded around the bar 44, there is less pressure placed by the sleeves 12 on the body of the garment 10. Thus the hook 72 reduces the likelihood of creases being formed between the body of the garment 10 and the sleeves 12.

After hooking the hook 72 of the trouser support 68 underneath the bar 44, the lip 74 of the trouser support 68 is dropped over the cross-bar or clip 32 as indicated by arrow L. As discussed above, the lip 74 may simply rest against the cross-bar or clip and prevent the hook 72 from sliding along the back of the garment 10 out from underneath the bar 44. Alternatively, the lip 74 may positively engage the cross-bar or clip 32, though positive engagement will in most circumstances be unnecessary since when the flaps 52, 54 are zipped together as discussed hereafter, the trouser support 68 will be held in position.

When the trouser support 68 is in position, it presses the trousers 76 against the garment 10 to hold both in position on the garment support 14.

The legs of the trousers 76 can then be folded over the trouser support 68, particularly a short edge of the trouser support 68, as indicated by arrow M in FIG. 12. The width of the garment carrier 100, and/or the width of the trouser support 68 can be selected to suit a particular length of trousers 76, so that when the trousers 76 folded about the trouser support 68 the hems of the legs of the trousers 76 are at or near the waist of the trousers 76. It will be appreciated that any width of garment carrier 100 and trouser support 68 may be used, but is generally preferable that the trouser support 68 be at least as wide as half of the length of the trousers 76 so that the trousers 76 need only have one fold in order to be contained within the garment carrier 100.

Once the legs of the trousers 76 have been folded over the trouser support 68, a tail part 112 of the garment 10 can be folded back over the trousers 76 as indicated by arrow N in the FIG. 13. Thus the trousers 76 are retained, together with the trouser support 68, within the folded garment 10.

It will be appreciated that creases should be avoided during folding so as to reduce the likelihood of creases when the garment 10 is unpacked from the garment carrier 100.

Flaps 52 are then brought into engagement by folding the flaps 52 inwardly in the direction of arrows O as shown in FIG. 14. The tab 62 on one of the flaps 52 is then depressed in the direction of arrow P to engage the hook and loop fastener system discussed above. The flaps 52 substantially enclose the garment 10, with one of the flaps 52 extending over the shoulders 18 and neck 20 of the garment 10 and the other of the flaps 52 extending over the tail portion 112 of the garment 10. In some cases it may be desirable to avoid use of a hook and loop fastener system as it may catch on some garments 10 and damage those garments 10. To that end, any other connection system (e.g. one or more magnetic fasteners) may be used. Alternatively, since flaps 54 are folded over flaps 52 and zipped thereto as discussed below, a connection system between flaps 52 may be altogether avoided.

In the view shown in FIG. 14 rows of teeth 60 are visible on the outer surface of the respective flaps 52.

Flaps 54 are then folded over flaps 52 in the direction of arrows Q as shown in FIG. 15. Zippers 114 comprising rows of teeth 60, 66 as discussed above, are then zipped shut. Thus flaps 54 are held to flaps 52, completing folding of the garment carrier 100.

As shown in FIG. 16, when in the folded configuration, the garment carrier 100 is sized and shaped to fit neatly into a suitcase 108 as indicated by arrow R. In the present case, the garment carrier 100 is sized and shaped to fit into a suitcase 108 of standard dimensions suitable for aeroplane carry-on luggage though it may instead be sized to fit into another (e.g. larger) suitcase.

An alternative garment carrier 200 is shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. The description of features of garment carrier 200 that have a similar function to features of the garment carrier 100 has not been reiterated and instead attention is drawn to the foregoing pages of the description to identify the functionality of those features.

The garment carrier, as shown in exploded view in FIG. 17, is also for carrying a garment (not shown) having sleeves. In the embodiment described above the garment support 14 includes flaps 52, 54 that enclose the garment 10 when the garment support 14 is in use. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 the garment support 202 includes a single large flap 204 that zips onto an upright peripheral sidewall 206 to enclose the garment 10. The single large flap 204 meets, and flexes around, opposite ends of the upright sidewall 206 to enclose the garment 10.

The upright sidewall 206 is joined to a base of the garment support 202 by a rounded edge 207. The rounded edge 207 serves an aesthetic purpose, namely to provide a smooth transition between the sidewall 206 and base of the garment support 202. The rounded edge 207 also reduces the number of sharp edges the garment carrier 200 might otherwise present to a suitcase in which the garment carrier 200 is located during transit, consequently reducing the likelihood of damage of that suitcase.

Around the uppermost edge of the sidewall 206 is a row of zipper teeth 209. The row of zipper teeth 209 interlock with zipper teeth of the flap 204 as described below.

To enable the flap 204 to flex around the ends of the upright sidewall 206, the flap 204 must be made from a flexible material at least in the region that is required to flex around the upright sidewall 206. The part of the flap 204 that is not required to flex around the sidewall 206 may be made from a comparatively more rigid material. Desirably, the upright sidewall 206 should be made from a rigid material so that it does not crumple when in use.

The single large flap 204 has a generally planar, rectangular body with a rounded peripheral edge 208 extending substantially from one end of the sidewall 206, around the periphery of the body, to the other end of the sidewall 206. The rounded peripheral edge 208 serves an aesthetic purpose, namely to provide a smooth transition between the flap 204 and upright sidewall 206 when the former is zipped to the latter. The rounded peripheral edge 208 also reduces the number of sharp edges the garment carrier 200 might otherwise present to a suitcase in which the garment carrier 200 is located during transit, consequently reducing the likelihood of damage of that suitcase.

Along the outer edge of the peripheral edge 208 is a row of zipper teeth 211 that interlock with the row of zipper teeth 209 of the upright sidewall 206 as described above, to fix the garment carrier 200 in a closed condition.

The cross-bar or clip 32 of the previous embodiment has been replaced with a single mounting bar 210 attached to the upright sidewall 206 by rivets 212. It will be appreciated that any other appropriate means for attaching the mounting bar 210 to the upright sidewall 206 may be used.

The mounting bar 210 is also held in position by rivets 254 (discussed in relation to FIG. 18) extending through a base of the garment support 202. To serve the purely aesthetic purpose of disguising or hiding the rivets 254, a shroud 214 is provided. The shroud 214 fits onto the mounting bar 210 below the sleeve support 216, at or near where the mounting bar 210 meets the base of the garment support 202, and obscures the rivets 254 from view. The shroud 214 includes a series of notches that fit over corresponding small ribs in the mounting bar 210. However, any appropriate means for fitting the shroud 214 to the mounting bar 210 may be used.

An upper surface of the shroud is rounded so as to accommodate pivoting of the axle 226 of the sleeve support 216 (discussed further below).

The shape of the sleeve support 216 of the present embodiment is different to that of the sleeve support 16 of the embodiment described above. The central limb 218 is substantially rectangular rather than having a tapered shape. At one end, the central limb 218 is received within an aperture in a bar 220. The arms 222 extending from either side of the aperture in which the central limb 218 is received, have a rounded leading edge about which the sleeves of a garment (not shown) can be folded. This reduces or avoids creasing of the sleeves in the region of the fold around the sleeve support 216. The rear edge of the arms 222 may also be rounded, but in the present case is generally flat.

The opposite end of the central limb 218 is received in a hub 224. The hub 224 is attached to an axle 226 in about which the sleeve support 216 pivots in the same manner as described above in relation to sleeve support 16.

The hub 224 has a protrusion 228 on an underside thereof. The protrusion 228 it received in the neck region of a garment when in use. The protrusion 228 has a rounded, bulb-like shape so as to avoid creasing the garment, though any other appropriate shape may be used. For example, if the protrusion 228 is made from a supple material then it may present a square face to the garment as the suppleness of the material would substantially reduce the likelihood of creasing of the neck region of the garment.

The protrusion 228 may be used to space the bar 220 from the garment support 202 so that the bar 220 does not crush the garment when the sleeves of the garment are folded around the arms 222. However, the protrusion 228 as shown in FIG. 17 is formed from foam. The protrusion 228 ensures the neck region of the garment 10 does not slip underneath the sleeve support 216. An opposed protrusion 229 bears against the trouser support 244 when it is in position over the sleeve support 216, to ensure the trouser support 244 does not move.

A rear face 230 of the hub 224 is angled forwardly. Correspondingly, a forward face of the mounting bar 210 is also angled forwardly. When the sleeve support 216 is pivoted down onto a garment to hold the garment in place, the rear face 230 of the hub 224 comes into abutment against the forward face of the mounting bar 210. This prevents further rotation of the sleeve support 216 towards the garment. In this manner, the angle of the forward face of the mounting bar 210 and of the rear face 230 of the hub 224 may be selected to define a particular desired spacing between the bar 220 of the sleeve support 216 and the garment support 202. Thus the relative angles of the rear face 230 of the hub 224 and the forward face of the mounting bar 210 may supplement or replace the protrusion 228 in its purpose of spacing the bar 220 from the garment support 202.

It will also be appreciated that various other means for defining a space between the bar 220 and the garment support 202 may be used. For example, the mounting bar 210 may include one or more protrusions extending from its forward face that come into abutment with the hub 224 and/or central limb 218 to prevent further rotation of the sleeve support 216 toward the garment support 202.

As mentioned above, the hub 224 is attached to the axle 226. In the present case, the hub 224 and axle 226 are integral. Each of the ends of the axle 226 is provided with a hub 232. Each hub 232 aligned with an axle mount aperture 234 on the mounting bar 210. Pins 236 are then inserted into the mounting apertures 234 and hubs 232 to pivotally fix the axle 226 to the mounting bar 210. It will be appreciated that any other appropriate means for fixing the sleeve support 216 to the mounting bar 210 may be used.

The present embodiment further includes shoulder supports 238. The shoulder supports 238 are attached by straps 240 to the garment support 202. In the present case, the straps 240 are attached to the upright sidewall 206. The shoulder supports 238 are for maintaining a shape of a respective shoulder of the garment when the garment is folded into the garment carrier 200, and the garment carrier 200 is closed around the garment. To that end, the shoulder support 238 comprise a pad of material insertable into a shoulder of the garment. The pad is ideally compressible (e.g. formed from foam) so as not to crush the garment against the flap 204 when in transit, or to be useable with various different garment shoulder shapes and sizes. However, the shoulder support 238 may be formed from or include any suitable material.

The shoulder support 238 comprises a convex, or rounded upper surface. The shoulder support 238 further comprises a flat base. The upper surface conforms to the shape of a shoulder of the garment. The flat base rests against a portion of the garment that is to remain flat when folded into the garment carrier 200.

The shoulder supports 238 are inserted either after sleeves of the garment into the shoulder region of the garment, or are inserted through the neck of the garment into the shoulder region of the garment. The shoulder supports 238 are shaped to maintain the shape of the shoulder of the garment when the garment is folded into the garment carrier 200. Thus creasing of the shoulders of the garment can be avoided or at least substantially reduced.

It will be appreciated that shoulder supports 238 of various sizes and shapes may be provided to account for different types of garment, different genders (women will often have a narrower shoulders than men) and different sizes of garment.

Each of the shoulder supports 238 includes a rear fabric tab or loop 242. In the present case, the fabric tabs 242 are extensions of respective straps 240. The fabric tabs 242 engage the sleeve support 216. For example, the fabric tabs 242 may fit around the ends of respective arms 222 of the sleeve support 216. Thus the shoulder supports 238 can be secured to the sleeve support 216 when the garment carrier 200 is not in use.

Alternatively, shoulder supports may be provided that are shaped to be positioned at the shoulders of the garment, on the outside of the garment. The sleeves and shoulders would then be folded around the shoulder supports to form the Delta-fold shape described above.

As with the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 16, a trouser support 244 is provided. The trouser support 244 has a broad hook 246 that hooks under the bar 220 in the manner described above. The trouser support 244 also includes a downwardly protruding rounded peripheral edge 248. The protruding rounded peripheral edge 248 extends around the periphery of the trouser support 244 from the opposite ends of the broad hook 246. The protruding rounded peripheral edge 248 is positioned near, or in abutment with, the upright sidewall 206 when the trouser support 244 is in position on the garment support 202.

The rounded peripheral edge 248 has a gap 250 that bridges over the mounting bar 210.

In the case where the sleeve support 216 is assembled to the mounting bar 210, and the mounting bar 210 is riveted to the upright sidewall 206, the garment carrier 200 is ready for use. The garment carrier 200 may then be put to use as follows:

-   -   a garment is positioned on the garment support 202     -   shoulder supports 238 are inserted up the sleeves of the garment         and into the shoulders of the garment     -   sleeves and shoulders of the garment are folded as described         above in relation to FIGS. 3 to 16     -   sleeve support 216 is brought down upon the sleeves to hold the         sleeves in position     -   the sleeves are folded around the sleeve support 216     -   trousers are subsequently positioned over the folded sleeves     -   the trouser support 244 is fitted over the bar 220 and rotated         down into position with the gap 250 bridging the mounting bar         210     -   the trousers are folded over the trouser support 244     -   the flap 204 is folded around the ends of the sidewall 206 and         is zipped to the sidewall 206.

FIG. 18, comprising views 18A to 18F, shows the garment carrier 200 when in the closed condition. The views 18A to 18F are a plan, front, rear, left side, right side and bottom view respectively. As will be appreciated, from each of the views 18A to 18F the garment carrier 200 is substantially bounded by rounded edges. Thus the garment carrier 200 has been designed to avoid damage of a suitcase in which a garment carrier 200 may be positioned when in transit.

The garment carrier 200 further includes a carry handle 252 attached to the outside of the upright sidewall 206. It will be appreciated that various other carry handle is may be used and attached to the garment support 202 in various other ways, or no such carry handle may be provided.

The bottom view 18F shows that, in addition to securing the mounting bar 210 to the sidewall 206 by rivets 212, the mounting bar 210 may also be secured through the base of the garment support 202 by rivets 254 or other fasteners, adhesive agents or any other appropriate means.

FIG. 19, comprising views 19A to 19F, shows the garment carrier 200 when in an open condition with the trouser support 244 in position over the bar 220. As discernible from views 19D and 19E, the trouser support 244 protrudes slightly above the top of sidewall 206. When the flap 204 is brought down around the trouser support 244 and is zipped onto the upright sidewall 206, the trouser support 244 lies against the flap 204. Thus a pair of trousers folded around the trouser support 244 are held in position between the trouser support 244 and flap 204.

Views 19D and 19E further show that the upright sidewall 206 tapers from one end 256 to the opposite end 258. In an opposite manner, the rounded edge 208 of the flap 204 tapers towards end 256. Thus the rounded edge 208 is at its minimum thickness generally in the region of end 256. Since the rounded edge 208 can provide some rigidity to the flap 204, the edge 208 being at its minimum thickness in the region of end 256 affords flexing of the flap 204 around the ends 256. At the opposite end, the rounded edge 208 being at its maximum thickness affords greater rigidity of the flap 204. In ensuring the garment carrier 200 is flexible where required, and a rigid where required, the present arrangement reduces the likelihood that a garment in the garment carrier 200 will be crushed when in transit.

As also notable from views 19D and 19E, fasteners or rivets 212 provide feet 262. The respective fastener or rivet 212 extends through the foot 262 and sidewall 206 to secure the mounting bar 210 to the sidewall 206. The feet 262 space the garment carrier 200 from surfaces, to reduce damage the garment carrier 200 may experience when in transit.

Views 19B and 19C show that the trouser support 244 is spaced slightly from the upright sidewall 206 when the garment carrier 200 is in an open condition. The space between the trouser support 244 and upright sidewall 206 reduces when the flap 204 is zipped onto the upright sidewall 206. It will be appreciated that, when in the closed condition as shown in FIG. 18 there may be no gap between the upright sidewall 206 and trouser support 244.

In general, the components of the garment carrier 100, 200 may be made from any appropriate material. In the present embodiments the garment support 14, 202 is formed from neoprene (of any thickness including 3 mm, 1.5 mm and 0.8 mm thickness), the sleeve support 16, 216 is injection moulded or formed from one or more aluminium extrusions, and the trouser support 68, 244 may be formed from neoprene or plastic. The body of the trouser support 68, 244 may alternatively be formed from a stretched fabric or mesh.

It will be understood that the present invention can be employed not just during transit, but also in the supply and storing of garments in a shop, from a manufacturer or tailor and so forth.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be understood to persons skilled in the art that features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

To this end, a garment carrier 100 for carrying a garment 10 having sleeves 12, may not comprise all of the features of the embodiment shown in the Figures. Instead, the garment carrier 100 may simply comprise a garment support 14, and a sleeve support 16 positionable over the garment support 14 to hold the garment 10 between the garment support 14 and sleeve support 16. In such an embodiment, the sleeve support 16 good comprise a central limb 40 and a pair of arms 42 about which sleeves 12 of the garment 10 are folded when the garment carrier 100 is in use.

It will be appreciated that instructions for folding, for example instructions and mirroring FIGS. 3 to 16, and/or branding, warranty and all other information may be printed onto surfaces of the garment carrier 100. For example, that information may be imprinted on the inner surfaces of the flaps 52, 54.

Where materials have been specified, such as neoprene, polycarbonate, moulded EVA and foam, it will be understood that these materials are used as examples only. These materials may be substituted for any other appropriate material. For example, the garment carrier may be formed from cardboard. This could be useful where only a single-use of the garment carrier is desired. Also, in humid climates it may be necessary to form the garment carrier from a material that protects the garment against creases, whereas in climates of lesser humidity that may be unnecessary.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the lo word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A garment carrier for carrying a garment having sleeves comprising: a garment support; and a sleeve support positionable over the garment support in use to hold the garment between the garment support and sleeve support to maintain a fold in the garment between each shoulder of the garment and a neck region of the garment, so that portions of the sleeves extend from respective shoulders in divergent directions.
 25. A garment carrier according to claim 24 wherein the sleeve support has edges about which outer parts of the sleeves can be folded back over the sleeve support.
 26. A garment carrier according to claim 25 wherein the edges of the sleeve support are mutually divergent so as to extend in use substantially perpendicularly across each sleeve so that the sleeves can be folded about those edges to extend towards the shoulders.
 27. A garment carrier according to claim 26 wherein the sleeve support has a central limb and a pair of divergent arms defining the edges.
 28. A garment carrier according to claim 24 wherein the sleeve support is hinged to the garment support.
 29. A garment carrier according to claim 24 further including a trouser support positionable over the sleeve support, in use to hold trousers between the sleeve support and the trouser support.
 30. A garment carrier according to claim 29 wherein the trouser support is arranged in use to hold a portion of the trousers against the sleeves such that the trousers can be folded back over the trouser support.
 31. A garment carrier according to claim 29 wherein the trouser support is arranged in use to enable a tail part of the garment to be folded back over the trousers to retain the trousers within the folded garment.
 32. A garment carrier according to claim 24 wherein the garment support comprises one or more flaps foldable to substantially enclose the folded garment.
 33. A garment carrier according to claim 32 wherein the one or more flaps include at least two first flaps extending from opposite sides of the garment support and being foldable in use over the garment and into engagement with each other.
 34. A garment carrier according to claim 33 wherein one of the first flaps is foldable in use over the neck region and shoulders of the garment.
 35. A garment carrier according to claim 33 including a pair of further flaps extending from further sides of the garment support.
 36. A garment carrier according to claim 24 further comprising a shoulder support having a surface shaped to conform to a shoulder of a garment.
 37. A garment carrier according to claim 36 wherein the shoulder support includes a convex or rounded upper surface.
 38. A garment carrier according to claim 36 wherein the shoulder support includes a flat base.
 39. A garment carrier according to claim 36 wherein the shoulder support is connected to the garment support by a strap.
 40. A garment carrier according to claim 36 wherein the shoulder support includes a loop or tab for engaging the sleeve support.
 41. A garment carrier according to claim 36 wherein the shoulder support is locatable at a shoulder of the garment to maintain a shape of the shoulder during use of the garment carrier.
 42. A garment carrier according to claim 41 wherein the shoulder support is locatable, in use, on an outside of the garment and the fold in the garment is formed about the shoulder support.
 43. A garment carrier for carrying a garment having sleeves, comprising: a garment support; and a sleeve support positionable over the garment support to hold the garment between the garment support and sleeve support, the sleeve support comprising a central limb and a pair of arms about which sleeves of the garment are folded in use. 